This low residue sugar cookie recipe is soft-centered with crisp edges and made entirely from low fiber, residue-friendly ingredients. There are no whole grains, nuts, seeds, or high-fiber add-ins. These cookies are great for those recovering from digestive issues, prepping for a colonoscopy, or following a short-term low residue eating plan.
Ingredients Needed:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour: low fiber and easy to digest.
- 2 tsp baking powder: helps cookies rise lightly.
- ¾ tsp fine sea salt: for balanced sweetness.
- 2 sticks unsalted butter (room temperature): rich and creamy base.
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar + ¼ cup for rolling: smooth texture, no rough fiber.
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk: adds moisture and richness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: classic flavor.
How To Make Low Residue Sugar Cookies:
Preheat Oven:
Set oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat butter and 1¼ cups sugar on medium-high until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Scrape down sides.
Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in egg, yolk, and vanilla until smooth.
Combine Mixtures:
Slowly mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
Form and Roll Dough Balls:
Scoop 3 tbsp dough portions, roll in the remaining sugar, and place 2 inches apart on baking sheet. Slightly flatten with a measuring cup.
Bake:
Bake 10–12 minutes until edges begin to brown. Cool on pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Recipe Tips:
- Avoid whole wheat flour or added fiber versions—stick with refined flour.
- Skip add-ins like nuts, seeds, or coconut.
- Use unsalted butter—salted may increase sodium for sensitive guts.
- Perfect for post-surgery, prep diets, or flare recovery.
- Cookies are not high fiber—ideal for low residue needs.
How to Store & Reheat:
- Room Temperature: Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Optional—can store up to 1 week, bring to room temp before eating.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts (per cookie, approx.):
- Calories: 215
- Sodium: 85mg
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 11g
- Carbs: 27g
- Fibre: 0.5g
- Sugar: 16g
FAQs:
Are sugar cookies low residue?
Yes, when made with white flour, no fiber-rich mix-ins, and no fruit or nuts, they are suitable for low residue diets.
What flour is best for low residue cookies?
Use all-purpose white flour—avoid whole grain or high-fiber flours.
Can I eat cookies on a low residue diet?
Yes, if they are made from low fiber ingredients and don’t include seeds, nuts, or dried fruit.
Is vanilla extract OK on a low residue diet?
Yes, in small amounts. It adds flavor without adding fiber.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! They store well for a few days and freeze beautifully.
Try More Recipes:
Low Residue Sugar Cookies
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy16
servings10
minutes10
minutes215
kcalSoft, buttery sugar cookies made with gentle ingredients and no added fiber—ideal for a low residue diet.
Ingredients
2½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
¾ tsp fine sea salt
2 sticks unsalted butter (room temp)
1¼ cups granulated sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
1 large egg
1 egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Beat butter and 1¼ cups sugar until fluffy (2–3 mins).
- Add egg, yolk, vanilla. Beat to combine.
- Slowly mix in dry ingredients until dough forms.
- Scoop 3 tbsp dough balls, roll in sugar, place 2″ apart, flatten slightly.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are golden. Cool before serving.
